Escaping The Brutal Northeast For Sunny, Warm Florida and Fun! Completed 7/12 - Page 31 - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.
So it is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to our long-running forums. They came online in 2000 and brought together so many wonderful Disney fans. We had friendships form, careers launch, couples marry, children born ... all because of this amazing community.
Thank you to each of you who were a part of this community. You made it possible.
And a very special thank you to our Guides (moderators), past and present, who kept our forums a happy place to be. You are the glue that held everything together, and we are forever grateful to you. Thank you aliceinwdw, Caldercup, MrsM, WillCAD, Fortissimo, GingerJ, HiddenMickey, CRCrazy, Eeyoresmom, disneyknut, disneydani, Cam22, chezp, WDWfan, Luvsun, KMB733, rescuesk, OhToodles!, Colexis Mom, lfredsbo, HiddenMickey, DrDolphin, DopeyGirl, duck addict, Disneybine, PixieMichele, Sandra Bostwick, Eeyore Tattoo, DyanKJ130, Suzy Q'Disney, LilMarcieMouse, AllisonG, Belle*, Chrissi, Brant, DawnDenise, Crystalloubear, Disneymom9092, FanOfMickey, Goofy4Goofy, GoofyMom, Home4us123, iamgrumpy, ilovedisney247, Jennifer2003, Jenny Pooh, KrisLuvsDisney, Ladyt, Laughaholic88, LauraBelle Hime, Lilianna, LizardCop, Loobyoxlip, lukeandbrooksmom, marisag, michnash, MickeyMAC, OffKilter_Lynn, PamelaK, Poor_Eeyore, ripkensnana, RobDVC, SHEANA1226, Shell of the South, snoozin, Statelady01, Tara O'Hara, tigger22, Tink and Co., Tinkerbelz, WDWJAMBA, wdwlovers, Wendyismyname, whoSEZ, WildforWD, and WvuGrrrl. You made the magic.
We want to personally thank Sara Varney, who coordinated our community for many years (among so many other things she did for us), and Cheryl Pendry, our Message Board Manager who helped train our Guides, and Ginger Jabour, who helped us with the PassPorter-specific forums and Live! Guides. Thank you for your time, energy, and enthusiasm. You made it all happen.
There are other changes as well.
Why? Well, the world has changed. And change with it, we must. The lyrics to "We Go On" for IllumiNations say it best:
We go on to the joy and through the tears
We go on to discover new frontiers
Moving on with the current of the years.
We go on
Moving forward now as one
Moving on with a spirit born to run
Ever on with each rising sun.
To a new day, we go on.
It's time to move on and move forward.
PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.
But eventually, we must move on and move forward. It is the right thing to do.
So we are retiring this newsletter, as we simply cannot keep up with it. Many thanks to Mouse Fan Travel who supported it all these years, to All Ears and MousePlanet who helped us with news, to our many article contributors, and -- most importantly -- to Sara Varney who edited our newsletter so wonderfully for years and years.
And we are no longer charging for the Live Guides. If you have a subscription, it's yours to keep for the lifetime of the Live Guides at no additional cost. The Live Guides will stay online, barring server issues and technical problems, for all of 2019.
That said, PassPorter is not going away. Most of the resources will remain online for as long as we can support them, and after that we will find ways to make whatever we can available. PassPorter means a great deal to us, and to many of you, and we will do our best to keep it alive in whatever way we can. Our server costs are high, and they'll need to come out of our pockets, so in the future you can expect some changes so we can bring those costs down.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your amazing support over the years. Without you, there's no way us little guys could have made something like this happen and given the "big guys" a run for their money. PassPorter was consistently the #3 guidebook after the Unofficial and Official guides, which was really unheard of for such a small company to do. We ROCKED it thanks to you and your support and love!
If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.
So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!
Welcome! We're happy you've found the PassPorter Community -- the friendliest place to plan your vacation to Walt Disney World, Disney Cruise Line, Disneyland, and the world in general! You are now viewing the PassPorter Message Board Community as a guest, which gives you limited access. As our guest, feel free to browse our messages by selecting the forum you want to visit from the list below.
To post messages and ask questions, join our FREE community today and you'll get access to tools and resources not available to guests, such as our vacation countown timers, "living" avatars, private messaging system, database searches, downloads, and a special PassPorter discount code. Registration is fast, simple, and completely free. Just click the Join Our Community link.
If you think you've already joined, log in below now. If you don't remember your member name or password, please visit our Member Name and Password Recovery page. You are also welcome to contact us.
PassPorter's Free-Book to Walt Disney World It’s hard to believe anything is free at Walt Disney World; but there are actually a number of things you can get or do for little to no cost. This e-book documents over 200 free or cheap tips to do before you go and after you arrive. You could save a considerable amount of money following these tips. Perhaps more importantly; you can discover overlooked attractions and little-known details most people whiz by on their way to spend money. Click here to see free sample pages from the e-book! Get this popular e-book free of extra charges when you join the PassPorter's Club for as little as $4.95. A club pass includes access to all our other e-books; e-worksheets; super-size photos; and more! This e-book is also available for separate purchase in the PassPorter Online Store for just $5.95.
That ball is so stinking photogenic! I agree it's about the most fun thing to take pictures of in the world.
Sounds like you had a good time in Future World, you got a lot in in your few hours there, but didn't look like you were rushing or stressing. WTG!
I probably have more photos of that than even Cinderella's Castle! Just love it! Had a great time in FW and took it easy and never stressed in any way! I had thought about visiting some of the cuisine kitchens in WS, but I had an early dinner ahead of me later, so I bypassed it for just a snack for lunch!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
You got a lot done at Epcot, and took some nice and colorful photos, too!
It was a nice relaxing and productive day with beautiful sunny skies and perfect temps! Glad you enjoyed the photos, but wished, I had taken more to give everyone a better overlay (not sure if this is the best description) of my day at Epcot!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
It's been a few weeks since my last installment as things have gotten in the way. Any, way I'm so happy to include one tonight!
Originally, I thought I could add this installment as one, but I thought it would be best now in two parts even being just a dining experience, but than again this is Victoria & Alberts Queen Victoria’s Room with ten courses ....and this will take some time! There are only a few photos in this and the following installment and I wish I had brought my camera along. I think next time I will and perhaps, Her Dotness can include a few of her own from her experience and TR (if she reads these installments) as some of our courses were the same!
After returning from Epcot at around 3:15 or so, I had to shower and change for tonight as I had to for Victoria & Albert’s at the Grand Floridian. My reservation is for 5:30, so I didn’t have to rush. To me this is the best dining experience in all of Walt Disney World as well as the best I’ve ever experienced overall as I’ve had some top notch ones on many occasions! For me it was a French blue dress shirt, khakis and dress shoes. I didn’t bring a jacket for the trip, even though they’re required for dining at V&A’s, but I’d get one at the restaurant, once I checked it. That’s always quite convenient.
I left my room at about 4:15 and walked to the main building at Riverside and had a CM get me a taxi to the Grand Floridian. I wasn’t about to use Disney transportation, being dressed up as I was. A taxi was here in just a few minutes and I was at the Grand Floridian at about 4:40. I love this hotel and the elder gentleman who greets you outside the entrance. He’s been here for years and makes the experience at the Grand Floridian that much better. This is what sets Disney above other establishments for the small personal touches like this.
I had a good 45 minutes until my reservation, so what better way to spend it than at Mizner’s with a glass of wine before dinner. I love the look of the lobby in the hotel with it’s opulence and the large chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and all the detail put into this room. Some find the hotel too chic and a bit snobbish, but I love it and don’t find it that way. I headed up the grand staircase ( reminds me of the one in Titanic) and just a few steps over to Mizner’s, where the jazz band was playing out in front. This I always welcome and love when they’re playing. I think they begin at 4pm daily, but not sure when they end for the day.
I took a seat at the bar and ordered a dry Riesling, which was enjoyable as was the complimentary mixed nuts. Just spent my time enjoying my wine, the band and watching whatever was on the TV above the bar. I paid for my glass of wine and made the short walk to Victoria and Albert’s on the same level about fifty feet away.
This is not the check in to V&A’s, but Citrico’s (across from V & A's). Another very good signature dining eatery at Disney. One of my favorites, but haven’t been here in a few years.
Entrance and closeup of V&A’s insignia on its’ entrance doors. These photos I took the other night, while I was at Mizner’s. These photos are from the other night, when I was at Mizner’s for a nightcap.
When I entered the restaurant I was immediately greeted by name by the Maitre d’, Israel Perez, who welcomed me back. Always, love the personal service here. I was also greeted by one the hostesses who fitted me for a dinner jacket. She escorted me to Queen Victoria’s room, which is just to the left, where the harpist plays, just as you enter the main dining room. She seated me at the first table on the left and placed the linen napkin in my lap. There are only four tables in this room. My hostess mentioned, to let your servers know, if you want to take a break at some point as this will be a good three plus hours ordeal! Believe it or not, this is my tenth time at Victoria & Albert’s. Seven times in the main dining room and three times in Queen Victoria’s Room. It is quite expensive, but the cuisine, service and experience are worth it. I usually offset some of the costs here with Disney Rewards points and the 20% AP discount (which they accepted in the past, but no longer).
The room is so beautiful with some lovely paintings on the wall, great lighting, a fireplace and bookshelves lining some of the walls. As usual....Disney with the appointed details! My table had a white linen table cloth with a water and wine glass and genuine silverware setting. Shortly one of my servers greeted me who’s name is John. He is a New Englander as I am and is from the Boston area. Can’t remember the name of the other I had during the evening. He gave me my personal preset menu, which the chef had set for the evening. John went over it with me in detail and asked if I wanted to add anything to it as they do offer these for a supplementary charge. I decided to add one of them, (which I really wanted) which will come up later. John asked if I was interested in the wine pairings and I told him yes!
Shortly, John returned and poured me a glass of Rose Brut Champagne in one of their crystal glasses. The other server offered me an artisan roll, which they bake at the restaurant accompanied by sea salt butter produced by Vermont Butter and Cream Company. The latter is one of the best butters you can get in the US and I use it quite often. The roll wasn’t too shabby either as was the Rose Champagne! It would be a long evening with ten courses, but I know I could do it as I have in the past, plus the pace is good here.
NEXT: This Must Be Where Food Goes To Die!...Really!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Last edited by SuperDave; 03-08-2015 at 09:45 PM..
I thought of you when we stopped at mizners on Friday! I believe the bartender you like was working but she was slammed so we didn't get to say hi to her!
Registered Message Board Members Get Our Free Newsletter! When you register you'll have the option to sign up for our weekly PassPorter Newsletter. It's chock-full of feature articles; news; tips; contests; photos; and special offers in our online store.
Can't wait to hear about V&A's!! We do the Queen Victoria Room on the 5 Anniversary...three more to go! So I will have to live vicariously through you!
Wow, your tenth time at V&As? I'm very jealous now - we've only made it twice, both times to the traditional dining room.
I'm probably more amazed about it than you are Cheryl! Only my first trip in 2002, I didn't dine there as I was a bit uneasy about dining there solo, but I think it may be one of the better places to do this with the personal service you get here and of course the cuisine! There is always a number of courses on each trip I have experienced for the first time and allows me to keep coming back as long as I don't mind the dip in my wallet!
Quote:
Originally Posted by xwewhisper
I thought of you when we stopped at mizners on Friday! I believe the bartender you like was working but she was slammed so we didn't get to say hi to her!
Glad you got to go to Mizner's and enjoyed it, but too bad you didn't get to meet Tammi! She's such a great bartender and always enjoy seeing and talking to her on my visits there!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Colexis Mom
Great start to your evening!
It certainly was and being in transit, the best of my evening is still ahead!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Can't wait to hear about your dining experience at V&A's.
Good to know and can't wait to share it with all here and hopefully this weekend!
Quote:
Originally Posted by NanaTink
Can't wait to hear about V&A's!! We do the Queen Victoria Room on the 5 Anniversary...three more to go! So I will have to live vicariously through you!
You will most certainly enjoy this experience, but sorry you have to wait three years for this! Sort of unclear about your comment (in bold) as have you dined in QVR in the past?
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Good to know and can't wait to share it with all here and hopefully this weekend!
You will most certainly enjoy this experience, but sorry you have to wait three years for this! Sort of unclear about your comment (in bold) as have you dined in QVR in the past?
Oh yes, we've done V&A main dining room twice and QVR twice, the last time being this past December We may take the plunge again before 3 years, but I KNOW we will be back in 2018!! We are also talking doing Chef's Table.
Oh yes, we've done V&A main dining room twice and QVR twice, the last time being this past December We may take the plunge again before 3 years, but I KNOW we will be back in 2018!! We are also talking doing Chef's Table.
Glad you have had many enjoyable experiences at V & A's as I've had! Would like to experience the Chef's Table eventually, but since I usually go down solo for many of my trips, I'm a bit apprehensive about doing that one!
Will most likely go to WDW next year as I'm doing my 1st DCL cruise this year (a month away on the Magic in the West Caribbean) and V & A will most likely be in the mix, depending on my Disney Reward $$$!
__________________
October 6, 2017-Enjoying an amazing dinner at Victoria & Albert's with PP's Dot and Drew
My TR from my most recent trip is now underway. Includes: Universal Studios Florida, Disney World and Sea World Orlando Trifecta TR -Updated December 10th! TR is now COMPLETED!
Glad you have had many enjoyable experiences at V & A's as I've had! Would like to experience the Chef's Table eventually, but since I usually go down solo for many of my trips, I'm a bit apprehensive about doing that one!
Will most likely go to WDW next year as I'm doing my 1st DCL cruise this year (a month away on the Magic in the West Caribbean) and V & A will most likely be in the mix, depending on my Disney Reward $$$!
I'm apprehensive to try the chef's table as well...but because I'm afraid I will be quizzed!
You will adore the Magic, be sure to do the Palo's brunch and dinner. You also must do either the Dream or Fantasy and experience Remy's.
Scott Hunnell designed the American side of the menu. The experience is much like QVR!
We are heading out in May on our 14th DCL cruise.
About This Page: 
Like
Thank
Pixie Dust
Just love it! 
Had a great time in FW and took it easy and never stressed in any way! 
I had thought about visiting some of the cuisine kitchens in WS, but I had an early dinner ahead of me later, so I bypassed it for just a snack for lunch! 
....and this will take some time! 
There are only a few photos in this and the following installment and I wish I had brought my camera along. I think next time I will 
Always, love the personal service here. I was also greeted by one the hostesses who fitted me for a dinner jacket. She escorted me to Queen Victoria’s room, which is just to the left, where the harpist plays, just as you enter the main dining room. She seated me at the first table on the left and placed the linen napkin in my lap. There are only four tables in this room. My hostess mentioned, to let your servers know, if you want to take a break at some point as this will be a good three plus hours ordeal! Believe it or not, this is my tenth time at Victoria & Albert’s. 
As usual....Disney with the appointed details! My table had a white linen table cloth with a water and wine glass and genuine silverware setting. 
He gave me my personal preset menu, which the chef had set for the evening. John went over it with me in detail and asked if I wanted to add anything to it as they do offer these for a supplementary charge. I decided to add one of them, (which I really wanted) which will come up later.
The roll wasn’t too shabby either as was the Rose Champagne! 
PassPorter Guide Author
I'm very jealous now - we've only made it twice, both times to the traditional dining room. 
]
Linear Mode
